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Assistive Robotic Manipulators

HERL is currently working with assistive robotic manipulators such as the iArm, which is used on PerMMA, and the JACO arm (pictured right), as used on KitchenBot.

One project uses a camera with computer vision and manipulation software to identify an object, automatically grasp it, and move it to the proximity of the user. For example, a can of soda can be recognized, and, even if there are other objects in the way, can be brought close enough for a user with limited upper body mobility to drink from. To evaluate the manipulator, we created a standardized performance evaluation tool. The tool, which features common daily objects and tasks such as buttons, toggle switches, handles, and knobs that can be grasped and/or manipulated. Our goal is that this will become the standard in evaluating robotic manipulators.

HERL researchers are also at the forefront of brain-computer interface technology work. After implanting sensors in volunteers’ brains, they were able to skillfully manipulate a specially-designed robotic arm.